Released on = June 7, 2006, 6:52 am

Press Release Author = Stephen Davies

Industry = Education

Press Release Summary = Children across the UK are the first out of the starting
blocks in the race to enter the world record books with the Tesco Great School Run.


Press Release Body = Children across the UK are the first out of the starting blocks
in the race to enter the world record books with the Tesco Great School Run.

The Run will take place on Wednesday 21June. Organisers hope to set a new Guinness
World Record when thousands of seven to 11 year-olds participate in a co-ordinated
two-kilometre fun run at hundreds of schools across the UK and Ireland.

Schools also get the chance to win 100,000 Tesco 'Sports for Schools and Clubs'
vouchers, which they can trade in to buy sports equipment.

Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Dean Macey, told children at the launch: "Eating
healthily is a very important part of a balanced lifestyle and it can be good fun
too. The Tesco Great School Run is a really enjoyable way to take part in sport this
summer.

"Don't forget to encourage your school to sign-up and take part in this
record-breaking event!"

Organiser Nova International is expecting over a quarter of a million Key Stage Two
children from all over the country to participate in the run. Over 600 schools have
already registered.

Participating schools from across the region will receive a free CD-based teachers'
pack created by educational specialists.
The teachers' pack contains a five-week programme of physical and classroom
activities to help children get in shape for the Great School Run.

David Hart, Communications Director at Nova International, said: "The Tesco Great
School Run is set to be the world's biggest ever organised junior running event.

"We're thrilled with the response received so far from the schools. Moreover,
combining sport and learning is a great way to engage with youngsters and to get the
healthier lifestyle message cross in a meaningful and fun way."

Debra Stones, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Tesco, said: "We all know how
difficult it can be to get kids to exercise when they would rather be watching TV or
playing computer games.

"The key is to make exercise fun and that is where the Tesco Great School Run comes
in. It's an initiative that enables kids to join in with friends and classmates and
will definitely appeal to their competitive streak. The end result should be fitter
kids with a healthy interest in physical activity."

Schools that have not registered and wish to take part can get more information and
a free Teachers' Pack from www.greatschoolrun.org


Web Site = http://www.greatschoolrun.org

Contact Details = Bradley O\'Mahoney Public Relations
56 Jesmond Road West
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE2 4PQ